Daily July 27

Independent agency Brainlabs’ acquisition of influencer marketing agency Fanbytes was the right deal for both parties because it gives them a better shot at growing their influencer marketing briefs — something neither company would have been able to do alone.

Additional coverage:

• As the first day back to in-person work approaches for an advertising agency, Kimeko McCoy, host of new podcast The Return, talks emotions, pandemic safety and more.
• This week’s Digiday+ Future of TV Briefing looks at how platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are providing opportunities for search-oriented video approaches.
• A new version of KFC’s app was developed to help the fast-food chain market to consumers and enhance its brand. This effort is part of an initiative between KFC and Google aimed at making it easier for customers to purchase the chain’s products.
• Chipotle isn’t the only brand to either gamify or give away crypto, but it has seen early success with the strategy.
• Endemic talent management agency Loaded’s even-handed, talent-agnostic approach was a major selling point for footwear retailer Journeys as the brand explored potential agencies and partners for its gaming push.
• Sovrn raises $36 million to fund M&A — but don’t expect horizontal consolidation moves.

From Digiday’s Token to Play package:

• Why NFTs must be transferable between platforms for the industry to survive.
• How publishers are getting audiences to adopt the blockchain.